6.1 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Nepal; Tremors Felt In Other Parts Of India

A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal in the early hours of Friday, with its epicenter located in Bhairab Kunda, Sindhupalchok District, in the central Himalayan region.

The National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Centre reported the quake occurred at around 2:51 AM local time. However, there are slight discrepancies in the measurements, with the German Research Center for Geosciences recording it at 5.6 magnitude and a depth of 10 km (6.21 miles), while the U.S. Geological Survey estimated it at 5.5 magnitude, Reuters reported.

Tremors from the earthquake were felt in neighboring regions, including Bihar, Siliguri, and other parts of North India. Despite the strong shaking, there have been no immediate reports of significant damage or injuries. Local authorities are currently assessing the situation in the affected areas.

Speaking to Reuters, Ganesh Nepali, a senior official from Sindhupalchok district, described the intensity of the quake, stating that it shook residents awake, prompting them to rush out of their homes.

However, people have since returned, and no damage or injuries have been reported so far. Social media posts from regions like Patna, Sikkim, and Darjeeling showed buildings and ceiling fans shaking, but no major incidents were reported.

Pasang Nurpu Sherpa, chairman of the Bhote Koshi rural municipality near the epicenter, confirmed no immediate damage but noted that the earthquake triggered a landslide at Dugunagadi Bhir. Fortunately, no houses were located near the landslide site. Kiran Thapa, the district governor of Sindhupalchok, reported minor incidents, including a district jail inmate breaking his hand while attempting to flee and minor cracks developing in a police post building in Kodari.

The earthquake, while moderate, caused noticeable shaking and minor structural damage near the epicenter and initial assessments suggest limited impact.